Twin Passions: Part Two...
An Exclusive Interview With Ward Burton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 24, 2006
By Sharon Sherwood
Ward Burton Wins Daytona 500
“To conserve America’s land and wildlife through wise stewardship while educating children and adults about the natural resources that will shape America’s future.” - Mission Statement: The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation
In Part One of my Interview with Ward Burton the driver spoke -- with a depth of feeling bordering on reverence -- of his love of the land and dedication to wildlife preservation.
But when our talk turned to racing the soft spoken Virginian’s calm engaging voice took on a new intensity, suggesting another passion born in the heart of a schoolboy who followed his dream -- to win the most coveted trophy in stock car racing.
Question... Is there any way you can describe winning the Daytona 500?
Answer... Well the year before that (2001), we led the most laps and had the best car. We had one guy make a mistake on the backstretch and take out about 18 of us. That race right there, I couldn’t believe we had given that away to the circumstances. Of course you never know what’s going to happen in a race, much less at those (plate) tracks.
The next year we didn’t have the best car but we missed the big wreck. And I know the minute that happened, I came on the radio and said “Guys, we just had our day made.” We missed it by inches.
Anyway, we got up to third with probably 15-20 laps to go, and on the restart Gordon got spun. At that point Marlin and I raced back to the line and he beat me by a couple of feet, but he was smoking real bad.
But (after winning it) I actually took an extra lap or two around the track to get my composure. Some of the safety crew members on the backstretch were good friends of mine and I stopped and high-five’d ‘em, and then stopped by the CAT suite in the car because I told them if we won it I’d do that.
You know it’s so much about comradeship, almost like what I learned at Hargrave (military school.) It’s a battle going on out there. But part of the thrill was that closeness you had with your crew members and obviously having my family there.
Question... Talk about your family’s reaction…the joy, the exhilaration…
Answer... You know, the media sometimes makes the event bigger than it actually is. Winning any one of those races is (big). Every single one I won was the same way, with that particular race being kind of like our Super Bowl. But I did really enjoy it. I savored every moment of it. I had been around enough long enough not to take it for granted.
And then there’s so much history involved with that track. I can remember being in Florida and just saying ‘OK we’re going to go see the Firecracker 400’. And we rode down there in my jeep and went straight in the infield. I think we paid $5 apiece and just hung out. This was back in the 70’s. So to go from there, with Mom taking us around Darlington and Rockingham growing up…and then winning that race… You know all those thoughts are coming back in my head.
Question... Kids daydream about what they want to be when they grow up… At that point did you have a thought in your mind about ever driving a race car?
Answer... Oh yes, definitely. Because we had raced go-karts since the time I was eight. But yes, I always thought there was something out there that was bigger than I was at the time. But the opportunities didn’t start to develop until I was in my 20’s.
I can remember in school when I was at Hargrave, writing a report for an English teacher of what we were gonna be when we grew up. And that’s what I put down on my report – race car driver. And he threw it back down on my desk and said ‘I want something that’s real’.
Question... Wouldn’t you like to meet up with him again!
Answer... Oh I’ve talked with him about it. And actually, when he retired from Hargrave he said to his replacement: “Don’t ever deter a child from his dreams.”
Question... If you had been another type of child that could have shattered your dream.
Answer... It would take a lot more than an English teacher to do that. I’m pretty thick skinned when it comes to that kind of thing.
We talked to each other about five or six years ago and he felt really bad about it. And I blew it off. Because to be honest, I remember writing it, but if he hadn’t told me I don’t know if I would have remembered.
Question... When you departed Haas Racing you were able to play a more hands-on role in the day-to-day operations of your foundation. Have you had time to miss racing?
Answer... I’ve been very, very busy. No, I’ve not had any sit-down couch time. Something about me wouldn’t allow it anyway. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with my children. We got to go to the lake together a lot. My son Jeb has been racing motocross. And obviously I’ve been criss-crossing the country working on conservation stuff.
The relaxing thing to me is getting on the tractor. The thing that’s complicated is raising funds. We’re non profit. If I had an unlimited source of income I could make a hell of a difference.
Question... You are frequently asked if you will be back behind the wheel of a race car. If you were offered an opportunity to drive for a top racing organization, would you have mixed feelings about having to scale back on your work with the wildlife foundation?
Answer... No, because two things. One, I’ve definitely had time to get it going in the right direction. And two, I did both when I racing all those years anyway.
My racing efforts got the foundation to where it is today, not to say that we haven’t had other great individuals and some federal grants. But without the racing I would never have been able to acquire the land, have the office, pay the staff and all that stuff to get it running.
I was able to use the racing notoriety to try to make a difference. Not that you have to have that by any means. But in some cases it certainly has helped us. Maybe in some cases it’s hurt us, I don’t know. But we’re constantly trying to build new relationships and reach people that share in our vision, that have the needs or desire to find ways that we can raise money so that we can make a bigger difference.
Question... What is your vision for the Ward Burton Foundation, and to date what is the one thing you’ve accomplished that you’re the most proud of?
Answer... Well I guess on the selfish side I’m most happy about being able to protect some land that I hold very dear -- sharing the vision of the role models that taught me a lot as a youngster, a young man, and as an adult. Taking care of what they held dear and using that as an outdoor exploring place for children, to reach kids on the outdoors.
And long term visions…we’re building the proper partnerships now to create the local initiative which is south side Virginia. Also initiatives for the the Commonwealth of Virginia, and some federal programs which can help grass roots conservation efforts for landowners. To help find ways to influence families; in particular to get their children more involved with outdoor activities and become connected to our natural resources.
It’s all about giving back. Our mission is not the only mission-- there are a lot of great ones out there. I just think it’s important that we form the right partnerships with other individuals, other groups, so that we can try to make all of our causes more effective
Question... Your dedication is inspiring.
Answer... Well it breaks my heart to see children that have never had the opportunity to go fishing, find some crawfish in the creek, or understand the importance of a wetland. There are just so many fun, eye-opening experiences that children can have in the outdoors that only the outdoors can offer. For any child not to have that opportunity is just a horror to me.
Question... Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Answer... Just that if anybody shares in the vision of what we’re trying to do – know that we all can make a difference. It doesn’t matter what your income is. People interested in this type of thing, please join a conservation group. And get involved -- get your kid in the 4-H, get them into all of the activities that are available to them.
If anyone shares in our vision and is interested in helping us, let them know how they can get in touch with us.
SS: I would be glad to do that. Ward Burton, thank you and good luck with your conservation efforts and future on-track endeavors as well.
WB: Well I appreciate all of your time.
Author’s note: If you are interested in finding out how you can help make a difference in conserving America’s wildlife habitat, or wish to learn more about Ward Burton’s love of the land and his efforts to protect our natural resources, visit the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation’s web presence: http://www.twbwf.org
Discuss this and other racing matters in the Prodigys@Speed Forum
You can contact Sharon at.. Insider Racing News
The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN. Although we may not always agree with what is said, we do feel it's our duty to give a voice to those who have something relevant to say about the sport of auto racing.
An Exclusive Interview With Ward Burton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 24, 2006
By Sharon Sherwood
Ward Burton Wins Daytona 500
“To conserve America’s land and wildlife through wise stewardship while educating children and adults about the natural resources that will shape America’s future.” - Mission Statement: The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation
In Part One of my Interview with Ward Burton the driver spoke -- with a depth of feeling bordering on reverence -- of his love of the land and dedication to wildlife preservation.
But when our talk turned to racing the soft spoken Virginian’s calm engaging voice took on a new intensity, suggesting another passion born in the heart of a schoolboy who followed his dream -- to win the most coveted trophy in stock car racing.
Question... Is there any way you can describe winning the Daytona 500?
Answer... Well the year before that (2001), we led the most laps and had the best car. We had one guy make a mistake on the backstretch and take out about 18 of us. That race right there, I couldn’t believe we had given that away to the circumstances. Of course you never know what’s going to happen in a race, much less at those (plate) tracks.
The next year we didn’t have the best car but we missed the big wreck. And I know the minute that happened, I came on the radio and said “Guys, we just had our day made.” We missed it by inches.
Anyway, we got up to third with probably 15-20 laps to go, and on the restart Gordon got spun. At that point Marlin and I raced back to the line and he beat me by a couple of feet, but he was smoking real bad.
But (after winning it) I actually took an extra lap or two around the track to get my composure. Some of the safety crew members on the backstretch were good friends of mine and I stopped and high-five’d ‘em, and then stopped by the CAT suite in the car because I told them if we won it I’d do that.
You know it’s so much about comradeship, almost like what I learned at Hargrave (military school.) It’s a battle going on out there. But part of the thrill was that closeness you had with your crew members and obviously having my family there.
Question... Talk about your family’s reaction…the joy, the exhilaration…
Answer... You know, the media sometimes makes the event bigger than it actually is. Winning any one of those races is (big). Every single one I won was the same way, with that particular race being kind of like our Super Bowl. But I did really enjoy it. I savored every moment of it. I had been around enough long enough not to take it for granted.
And then there’s so much history involved with that track. I can remember being in Florida and just saying ‘OK we’re going to go see the Firecracker 400’. And we rode down there in my jeep and went straight in the infield. I think we paid $5 apiece and just hung out. This was back in the 70’s. So to go from there, with Mom taking us around Darlington and Rockingham growing up…and then winning that race… You know all those thoughts are coming back in my head.
Question... Kids daydream about what they want to be when they grow up… At that point did you have a thought in your mind about ever driving a race car?
Answer... Oh yes, definitely. Because we had raced go-karts since the time I was eight. But yes, I always thought there was something out there that was bigger than I was at the time. But the opportunities didn’t start to develop until I was in my 20’s.
I can remember in school when I was at Hargrave, writing a report for an English teacher of what we were gonna be when we grew up. And that’s what I put down on my report – race car driver. And he threw it back down on my desk and said ‘I want something that’s real’.
Question... Wouldn’t you like to meet up with him again!
Answer... Oh I’ve talked with him about it. And actually, when he retired from Hargrave he said to his replacement: “Don’t ever deter a child from his dreams.”
Question... If you had been another type of child that could have shattered your dream.
Answer... It would take a lot more than an English teacher to do that. I’m pretty thick skinned when it comes to that kind of thing.
We talked to each other about five or six years ago and he felt really bad about it. And I blew it off. Because to be honest, I remember writing it, but if he hadn’t told me I don’t know if I would have remembered.
Question... When you departed Haas Racing you were able to play a more hands-on role in the day-to-day operations of your foundation. Have you had time to miss racing?
Answer... I’ve been very, very busy. No, I’ve not had any sit-down couch time. Something about me wouldn’t allow it anyway. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with my children. We got to go to the lake together a lot. My son Jeb has been racing motocross. And obviously I’ve been criss-crossing the country working on conservation stuff.
The relaxing thing to me is getting on the tractor. The thing that’s complicated is raising funds. We’re non profit. If I had an unlimited source of income I could make a hell of a difference.
Question... You are frequently asked if you will be back behind the wheel of a race car. If you were offered an opportunity to drive for a top racing organization, would you have mixed feelings about having to scale back on your work with the wildlife foundation?
Answer... No, because two things. One, I’ve definitely had time to get it going in the right direction. And two, I did both when I racing all those years anyway.
My racing efforts got the foundation to where it is today, not to say that we haven’t had other great individuals and some federal grants. But without the racing I would never have been able to acquire the land, have the office, pay the staff and all that stuff to get it running.
I was able to use the racing notoriety to try to make a difference. Not that you have to have that by any means. But in some cases it certainly has helped us. Maybe in some cases it’s hurt us, I don’t know. But we’re constantly trying to build new relationships and reach people that share in our vision, that have the needs or desire to find ways that we can raise money so that we can make a bigger difference.
Question... What is your vision for the Ward Burton Foundation, and to date what is the one thing you’ve accomplished that you’re the most proud of?
Answer... Well I guess on the selfish side I’m most happy about being able to protect some land that I hold very dear -- sharing the vision of the role models that taught me a lot as a youngster, a young man, and as an adult. Taking care of what they held dear and using that as an outdoor exploring place for children, to reach kids on the outdoors.
And long term visions…we’re building the proper partnerships now to create the local initiative which is south side Virginia. Also initiatives for the the Commonwealth of Virginia, and some federal programs which can help grass roots conservation efforts for landowners. To help find ways to influence families; in particular to get their children more involved with outdoor activities and become connected to our natural resources.
It’s all about giving back. Our mission is not the only mission-- there are a lot of great ones out there. I just think it’s important that we form the right partnerships with other individuals, other groups, so that we can try to make all of our causes more effective
Question... Your dedication is inspiring.
Answer... Well it breaks my heart to see children that have never had the opportunity to go fishing, find some crawfish in the creek, or understand the importance of a wetland. There are just so many fun, eye-opening experiences that children can have in the outdoors that only the outdoors can offer. For any child not to have that opportunity is just a horror to me.
Question... Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Answer... Just that if anybody shares in the vision of what we’re trying to do – know that we all can make a difference. It doesn’t matter what your income is. People interested in this type of thing, please join a conservation group. And get involved -- get your kid in the 4-H, get them into all of the activities that are available to them.
If anyone shares in our vision and is interested in helping us, let them know how they can get in touch with us.
SS: I would be glad to do that. Ward Burton, thank you and good luck with your conservation efforts and future on-track endeavors as well.
WB: Well I appreciate all of your time.
Author’s note: If you are interested in finding out how you can help make a difference in conserving America’s wildlife habitat, or wish to learn more about Ward Burton’s love of the land and his efforts to protect our natural resources, visit the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation’s web presence: http://www.twbwf.org
Discuss this and other racing matters in the Prodigys@Speed Forum
You can contact Sharon at.. Insider Racing News
The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN. Although we may not always agree with what is said, we do feel it's our duty to give a voice to those who have something relevant to say about the sport of auto racing.
